Major works are on the way at a Hartlepool library - and it means significant noise.

Work will start on Monday on a ten-week project to completely re-roof Hartlepool’s Central Library, in York Road.

The existing roof needs to be replaced before the onset of another winter. We apologise in advance for the disruption and inconvenience which this will cause – particularly in terms of noise – and we ask people to please bear with us while the work is being carried out

Kay Tranter, library services manager

Bosses say the work is essential to tackle leaks which have been a growing problem in the 25-year-old building in recent years.

The original cement slate roof has come to the end of its lifespan.

Under the new project, it will be replaced by slate-effect metal tiles which are much more durable.

Experts do not expect that the Central Library will have to close during the work but library users are being warned that the work will cause a significant amount of noise between 10am and 5pm and potentially some dust. Some disruption to services will be unavoidable.

Library services manager Kay Tranter explained more about the work. She said: “Regular users of the library will be well aware of the problems which we have had with roof leaks in various parts of the building for some time.

“The existing roof needs to be replaced before the onset of another winter. We apologise in advance for the disruption and inconvenience which this will cause – particularly in terms of noise – and we ask people to please bear with us while the work is being carried out.”

There are four branch libraries in Hartlepool which are also available. They are;

Headland Library, Middlegate – open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Call (01429) 268169 for more details.

Owton Manor Library, Wynyard Road – open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. (01429) 272835.